A Cryostat for Izod Impact Testing

Abstract

The history of cryogenic impact testing is well summarized by Kiefer et al. [1], A review of this history indicates that one of the major problems involved in testing at temperatures below that of liquid nitrogen is the difficulty of transferring the specimen from the cryogen to the grips and. fracturing it quickly enough to avoid any appreciable temperature rise in the specimen before its energy absorption is measured. It is also desirable to maintain a safe working area, particularly when liquid hydrogen is the cryogen, and it is convenient if the testing machine is completely accessible. All of these criteria have been satisfied by the impact cryostat to be described here.